Are you worried about your baby carrier skills? Would you like to level up your back carry or learn a poppable hip carry? Sure you’ve watched some well produced online videos but it’s still not quite there. We’ve got a solution for you. Join The Consultant Corner and get a one-hour bespoke session to find your perfect freedom. Wraps, carriers, partners, grandmothers – we can help you all.

These sessions are £25 for an hour long session and run next to the workshops. The consultants are paid to help you on the day by The Wrap Show. Buy a session and we will send you a form to fill out to help us match the consultant to your needs. These sessions are set up for one carer/child dyad but be in touch if you have different circumstances. Buy ahead to ensure you’re not disappointed but check with us on the day in case we still have space, all on the workshop floor.

Meet the highly qualified team coming to help!

Madeline is Trageschule and Slingababy trained consultant and babywearing mother of 2. Carrying her children has shaped her as a mother – giving her freedom, sanity and the ability to hold them close as they grow! She became a consultant and set up Sheen Slings as she loves helping others gain confidence carrying their own little ones, helping them find the right tool they need in their own personal journey.

Soshanna started babywearing 11 years ago and has carried all three of her children. She trained and qualified and Consultant with the School of Babywearing in 2016 after a decade of running sling meets and volunteering at sling libraries. Alongside her Consultancy work, she run the non-profit East Kent Slings and its large team of volunteers. She describes babywearing as ‘a lifesaver’ when her youngest child was unwell for his first two years. She still occasionally carries him now at four and a half when he gets tired legs. It brings her great joy to enable others to carry their children of all ages, too.

Katie started her babywearing journey with her second child in 2012. She fell head over heels in love with woven wraps and began investigating the science of weaving and blends of yarns. Winning a wrap design competition was the spark that led to Katie’s own woven wrap company, Jacq and Rose, which she launched in 2016. Katie trained as a Consultant with the School of Babywearing and is a volunteer at Reading NCT Sling Library. Her babywearing days with her own son, who is now five, are now coming to an end but she loves being able to help others on their babywearing journeys.

Mel runs Wrap a hug sling library and is based in east London. She is a certified babywearing consultant and trained with School of Babywearing. Mel is mum to 2 boys, both has been carried from birth. She is very passionate about supporting parents on their babywearing journey and offers personalised services. Mel also runs Tower Hamlets Fmaily meet-up, a monthly meet where perinatal and early years professionals meet local parents to support them on their parenting journey.

Sonia has been babywearing since her first child was born in 2014. She loved the extra cuddles and the beautiful fabrics, but it was with her second child, who needed to be held upright for a large part of the day, that carrying became a necessity. She loves sharing the benefits of carrying with other families and helping them, whatever reasons they have to carry. She trained with Slingababy and specialises in woven wrapping.

Colleen started babywearing after her daughter was born in 2012. She enjoyed the closeness and convenience that it provided them as a family. In 2014, her son was born and her love of babywearing really began to flourish – with two children to manoeuvre about she seldom left the house without a carrier! In 2016, Colleen decided to follow her passion and trained as a babywearing consultant with Slingababy. She went on to train with JPMBB in April 2018. Colleen has a love of woven wraps and can often be found testing them out with her own children. She is an advocate for toddler wearing and enjoys helping families to find carriers that can enable them to comfortably carry their children for longer.

As February is now in full swing, it’s time to take a step back and see if the year is heading in the right direction. I’m sure I’m not alone in having set myself wild eco-conscious ambitions for 2019, enthusiastically committing to a re-evaluation of all daily habits, solemnly swearing on next year’s tofurkey that every object I use, every lifestyle choice I make, will be brought before the eco-oracle for validation.

The Didymos Magic Summer Exclusive in action teaching a new parent

And now that the nappy drawer looks like an airing cupboard, and my bathroom shelf might as well be a kitchen cupboard, it’s time to assess something a little more exciting: my beloved Magic Summer exclusive wrap. Its soft and buttery blend of silk and cotton, its elegant silver-blue design that glows across the room, there’s so much about my wrap that makes my heart sing. Admittedly, when I chose to use a wrap not a scintilla of a sustainable thought entered my mind. I vaguely knew it was beneficial to baby but, in truth, I just loved the look – that happy-mother-peaceful-baby look. Throughout my wrapping journey I’ve stumbled across benefit after benefit of carrying, and now, with greener lenses and a New Year’s resolution to live up to, I’ve come to recognise yet another: comprising one long piece of textile, my wrap is free of plastic fastenings and metal structural components, it won’t go rusty, nor lose a crucial screw (and while we’re at it, it’ll always look good, too).

Whilst a dedicated forager might stand a chance of finding a decent preloved pram, there is a thriving network of wrap users eager to share their pride and joy. Indeed, the second hand wrap is to be worn proudly, a veritable vintage that sparks heartwarming conversations between its various inheritors as it gets passed from one wrapper to the next. And if your wrapping days are over and you don’t want to say adieu, there’s a vibrant community of makers specialising in textile transformations – cushions, bags, upholstery, children’s clothes – they’re all possible and all gorgeous when made from a woven wrap.

The longevity of a wrap, together with its repurposing potential, score strong points when put before the sustainability jury. A look at wrap production reveals many more conscious craft decisions, from the use of left over fabric for hair scrunchies, scarves, even jewellery, to the sale of scrap packs and discounted wraps with minor weaving faults. Didymos’ website even shows you how to turn your wrap into a swing or hammock for your child.

Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that many wrap brands work hard to build partnerships that enable the creation of ethical, sustainable, environmentally friendly wraps. You’ll find the use of eco-friendly fibres such as REPREVE yarn made from plastic bottles, and TENCEL fibres made from sustainable, renewable wood pulp; you’ll see businesses that consciously and constantly seek to reduce their carbon footprint; and you’ll discover that for many wrap brands their commitment to act sustainably extends to ensuring fair working conditions for their employees.

Woven Wings -The Wrap Show exclusive wrap about to get a make over

And so, as my baby stirs from sleep and I brace myself to face the wintery weather, it’s with a swing in my step and a glow in my heart that I reach for my wrap, at peace in the knowledge that its virtues run deep and wide.

Red

Blogger

Red is a mother, a teacher, and an artist. Living in London, she’s writing for The Wrap Show about her explorations in woven wraps.

A piece of the same Woven Wings wrap is flying to 36 makers all over the world, being expertly turned into:

bags

accessories

keepsakes and home décor

conversions

clothing

You can watch their progress with their tag: #thewrapscrapcontest. And when they’re done, everything will come to London and will be on display at The Wrap Show so attendees can vote on their favourite creation! Not only that, but Helen from Mummy’s Gin Fund and Sarah and Christina from Woven Wings will judge judge each entry and pick a winner from each category for a cash prize.

We’re excited to highlight the long life of a woven wrap and the skills in the community to turn memories into something even longer lasting.

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Stay up to date!

Follow the competition on #thewrapscrapcontest

Each item will be judged on:

Design Innovation – have we seen this design before? Is there something new and inspired in the item? Is the fabric used in a unique way? Or is there innovation in colour or shape?

Fitness for Purpose – is the item useable? Would someone want to use it?

Construction of Item – is the item going to last? Is it held together permanently? Does it hold its shape?

Workmanship – is the item a quality item? Are the seams straight and patterns matched? Are the lines straight where they need to be straight?

Artistic Interpretation – how well is the piece of Woven Wings fabric used?

Choice and Execution of Techniques – does it show unique skills? Do the skills used fit the item? Is it all within scale? Is there a design reason for the technique used?

Presentation – is the item neat and tidy? Are there hanging threads or errant glue lines? Would you want a customer picking this up as a final product?

Visual Impact – when you first see the item, do you say wow? Be it in colour, shape, design, use of materials, this is where we know if it stands out from a crowd

2Lambie curates gorgeous material from different artisans around the world and with a select team of artisans brings beautifully designed functional products to their customers. We specialize in small collections and one of a kind pieces, working with our customer to endure every detail bringing their vision of the perfect baby carrier, hand bag etc to life. We expanded our offerings to include products for children and parents who wish to continue to enjoy their sentimental wraps beyond babywearing as keepsakes and momentos – handbags, lovies, dragon wings, blankets, neck wear are just a few of the items we offer. 2Lambie is a mom owned and run business that supports artisans internationally and provides supplemental income to a team of over 20 families across the US.

Making bags and accessories with woven scraps is a perfect fuse of my passions – sewing and babywearing. When our Little Chicken goes to sleep, Mama Goose gets to create. Every scrap is different which very often defines the design. I love that element of surprise which makes each piece unique. I love what I do and I love to share that with the World.

Aparta_

I love to sew, and now I usually sew clothes in Jersey. Earlier I were a quilter. I’m also A crazy wrap lady, and a hoarder who have big problems with selling wraps. So I’ve decided to learn sewing purses and bags with wrapscraps, so I could keep my beauties forever.

I make wrap scrap handbags, totes, purses, and accessories using babywearing wrap scraps.

Brigitte Heller

Babywearing years are simply too short, aren’t they? This is why I’ve started sewing pictures which will remind you of all the precious and wonderful moments you’ve had with your baby being wrapped! Made out of wrap scraps, hand sewn and showing a moment which will stay forever – a moment you cannot only see but feel – because it’s made out of the fabric we all love! ️

Chickadee and Hen creates wrap scrap plush animals and loveys for your little ones to snuggle. We take your sentimental wrap scraps and turn them into adorable creations that will last for years to come!

Cosmos Handmade Bags & Gifts

Since moving to rural Portugal after 35 years as an upholsterer,Cosmos Bags has enabled me to continue with my passion for sewing. I use vintage & recycled remnants and offcuts to produce an affordable and practical bag ..each one different .

Creativaz

I’m an Italian artist. I love babywearing and I transform wrap scrap into “goodnight elves and fairies” and mermaid dolls based on my original projects. I’m a pedagogist. I have two beautiful daughters. I believe I can help children to get asleep with a soft friend dressed with their most loved wrap.

Dagger & Thorn

Dagger & Thorn is a tiny little business based in Ireland. Aoife is a passionate babywearer, bag maker and mother to 3 boys. She specializes in wrap scrap bags as well as all-leather bags with woven leather detailing.

Dino & Duck

Dino & Duck is one work at home mama to 3 young boys who creates cheery and bright children’s clothing as well as a variety of bags and purses all made to order. We also proudly make cherished memory items including birth weight bears.

EmmyRoo Handmade

Born out of the love for sewing and baby wearing, EmmyRoo Handmade creates beautiful clothing and accessories out of wrap scraps, for babies, toddlers and mums.

Janine Good

I love collecting scrap and doing little makes

Jardin Secret

I’m sewing many accessories. Wallet, pouch, key ring. For baby too.

KodoBa

Started just as mom WHO kept a scrap from her wedding wrap. And I was curious what am I able to make from it. So on my Facebook page you cant find from toys, jewelry to shoes, small clothes, purses and even coats.

Leopard Spots Baby

I make children’s accessories and clothing, babywearing accessories and wrap scrap creations. I take commissions and custom orders too!

We produce carriers for almost 10 years and are located in Berlin. We make wrap conversion like onbuhimos, halfbuckle or fullbuckle carrier also rings slings. We work with limited collections and also have a standard collection. We produce all carriers in Berlin, Germany.

Magpie and Thread

I’ve wrapped my 4 year old since she was tiny, its become part of who I am; I am also ex-museum curator who loves textiles and vintage footstools and chairs. In repairing wraps for many friends I realised I’m not alone in wanting keep these special lengths of cloth in my life. I am trained in traditional upholstery and want to create individual, usable pieces of furniture that honour our baby wearing days and become heirlooms for our children.

In Marabara we are passionate about design and handcrafted work. We strongly believe in a different way of doing things, where every piece is consciously and ethically made, carefully designed to be used and enjoyed in your everyday adventures. All our bags are handcrafted in our small atelier, one by one, with attention to detail and lots of love. We care about the environment and giving a second chance to a beautiful scrap is definitely one of our favourite tasks and a great way to reduce waste, reuse and recycle.

Maybe Mabel specialises in creating unique recycled leather handbags, toiletry storage, laptop cases and accessories. Each product is designed and handcrafted by Lauren Holloway in her studio in Bristol.

MelaCucio

I’m a mama handmaker,the idea born for the infinite love for babywearing and wraps. I have my personal page on Facebook and Instagram. I create some type of bags,many kind of accessories for mums and babies, ring and pouch conversions. I will be very excited to create something (think on a bag) for you.

We provide high-quality wrap conversions, custom made carriers and ring slings at prices that offer fantastic value and real comfort for you and your child. We offer several styles of soft structured carriers, all made from supportive fabrics available in sizes ranging from infant to pre-school. We pride ourselves on a personal service and attention to detail, with all products made by us here in the UK.

I’m a martial mum who love sewing bags. Then when I’m not in gym or with my family, go hurry in the sewing machine, take all wrap scrap i have and go create! What? Sometimes I don’t know, then leave free my fantasy. Every patterns in fact, are create by my own, nothing bought first. I hope are not much bad!

Milly’s Hugs

I make keepsakes to remember this special part of our parenting journey. I make wrap scrap filled screen prints of various carrying positions.

I have been working in the custom sewing business for 10 years, transitioning from baby carriers to bags. I feel privileged to be able to continue working in the field I love while fostering a creative community in my hometown that will help people get back in touch with their textiles. I hope to use my line of bags teach the textile arts through small batch production.

“Mainile Mamei” ( Mother’s Hands) is not just a store, it is a soul put on a tray!

It is a mother, family, a whole generation, reflection, in that the handmade had a very special place!Handmade love was a gift for me, since I was a child, from my mother, who loves knitting, my grandmother great at crochet and my sweet honey soul, great- grandmother, who soft embroidered, singing slow, in the summer, on her’s simply but full of love and warmth little house porch, on a milky fabric!

Parker Buttons

I make wrap scrap bags using many different scraps and have been making bags since 2009. I sell entirely through my Facebook page using word of mouth and I love making custom bags for customers all over the world! I have several different types of bags and 1/2 of my bags are self-designed patterns.

Petit Neva

Petite Neva is a small French company run from my workshop where everything is done by me. I create custom bags and accessories from woven wrap fabric, genuine leather and patchwork cotton. Color is my life!

SewnUK, based in Kent, create beautiful flowers made to last from a variety of manmade and natural materials. Their latest range introduces the use of single use plastic to create ‘Rubbish to Roses’ and even provide a video tutorial on how you can make them yourself. Handmade for any occasion these can be ordered and customised for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or simply for the home. A great accessory and keepsake for all.

I make handmade handbags using repurposed textiles including leather, suede, wrap scrap and vintage fabrics. Always looking to upcycle textiles whenever I can in new creative ways!

Woven Fairytales by Hungarian Fairy

I always loved vintage, specially kisslock purses, bronze accessories, everything that reminds me of another age. After my baby’s birth I discovered the woven wraps as raw material. I totally fell in love with them, I tried to spell every little piece. This was almost 4 years ago, and I still believe in Fairytales, I live them every day.

I’ve carried my baby through wind and rain, through tears and laughs, through love and need. I’ve carried my baby across town and across the world. One thing that never changes – the freedom of hands, the deep connection, the love between us.

Once motherhood struck here in this home, I have found I really miss writing. Do you miss it, too? Or perhaps carrying your loved one has inspired a new wordsmith in you? Well, here’s an excuse to exercise your writing muscles in the new year!

We’re opening a call for writers to submit their work for The Wrap Show Writing Contest! We want to read your piece with a simple title: Worn. What follows is up to you. Write about your joy, a moment in time, your journey, your challenge, or wherever Worn takes you.

Your entries can be essays or poems up to 750 words (but less is ok!). Winning submissions will be published not only in our programme but also on our online channels. Three winners will be announced 1 May and will win a ticket to The Wrap Show.

Excerpt from Milky Moments

We’re so excited about the judges of our writing contest. Red, The Wrap Show blogger, will be joined by Ellie Stoneley, author of award-winning children’s book Milky Moments. The three winners will also each receive a copy of her beautiful book. Ellie will also be coming to The Wrap Show and will selling and signing copies on the day.

All submissions will be read and will be judged on:

originality

quality of content

clarity of expression

creativity

how closely it fits to the theme

Fine Print: Submissions must be in English and otherwise unpublished. Only one submission per person. Authors must be at least 18 years old. Please also submit one photo of yourself using a carrier (baby optional!) that you have the rights to that we can publish with your text. By submitting your piece, you agree that you wrote the piece and that while you own the copyright, The Wrap Show reserves the unrestricted right to use entries, in full or in part, for publication and promotion. Your contact details will only be used to execute the contest. Entries will be judged anonymously. The decision of judges is final. Prizes are non transferrable and have no monetary value.

Entries are due 15 March. Please submit your entry and your photo by email to welcome [at] thewrapshow.co.uk with the subject line of: Writing Contest Submission. By submitting your work, you are agreeing to the contest terms and conditions.

We can’t wait to read about your passion for wearing.

About Ellie Stoneley, author Children’s Book of the Year 2015/16

Ellie Stoneley gave birth to her daughter at the age of 47 in 2012. When she’s not writing, or singing about the wheels on the bus, or rushing off to the school run, Ellie works freelance helping small charities and businesses to give themselves a louder voice online. She studied Psychology and English Literature at Durham University, and has worked all over the world, most notably mining opals in the Australian outback and as a volunteer, on behalf of the Kitchen Table Charities Trust, for whom she travelled to Madagascar to highlight the issues many children face there. Ellie writes regularly about mothering and being an older first time mother on her own blog Mush Brained Ramblings, for Huffington Post, as well as at Mumsnet, Midlife Mothers, What to Expect, Breastfeeding Matters and Cambridge News. She appears on TV and radio to discuss a variety of parenting issues.

When her daughter was born Ellie was determined to breastfeed, but things got off to a shaky start as her baby was premature and had to be fed via a nasal tube, and was found to have a tongue tie. Ellie found tremendous support from her local breastfeeding drop in centre which transformed their nursing experience. A big fan of wraps, Ellie didn’t own a buggy until her daughter was 9 months old and carried her everywhere.

You can find Ellie and the Milky Moments page on Facebook here and read more about Milky Moments on the publishers website here.

Picture this: you’re standing in a queue and the person next to you is carrying a sleeping baby – in a wrap, no less! You strike up a rapport, albeit stilted and self-conscious, waxing lyrical about favourite wrap brands and admiring her textile choice.

And then…

Mid conversation – mid sentence, even – she slips her phone out of her pocket and …click! Relaxed and spontaneous, her fleeting selfie was fluid, unmeditated and unselfconscious, weaving itself seamlessly into your otherwise awkward conversation.

I had never seen anything like it. In my previous incarnation as an A level teacher – steeped in a world of Snapchat and Insta, the selfie integral to self expression and social identity – even then, I had never witnessed such a casual selfie.

That moment exposed for me a startling, hidden truth: for years my mind had busily filed away selfie judgements and prejudices – ‘Egocentric tools for introverts’ it told me; ‘a sad fad for an individualistic society’ it moaned, ‘and as for Selfie Sticks, tut! Selfish Sticks, of course!’

In that moment my shamefully critical mind was silenced. My queue companion’s selfie was neither egocentric, nor individualistic, nor selfish. What was I thinking! You see, when you’re carrying your child and you take a selfie, it is by default a picture of the two of you, and more likely than not, a celebratory one. Whether you’re taking a snap of your moment together, posting about the design of your fabric, or sharing the comfort and intricacy of your chosen wrapping technique, it is by necessity a group shot that draws attention away from the day to day challenges of a messy home, hectic sibling squabbles or the tediousness of a queue, enabling you to highlight the positive, as much to yourself as to others.

Normally I would rage at the edited, illusionary reality so often portrayed on social media, but perhaps there’s something to be said for celebratory selfies, little reminders of the things we love, the achievements we’re proud of, and the moments we want to remember. What’s more, the celebratory nature of a carrying selfie has fostered a warm cyber community of wrap users and lovers whose objective is to share the joy of their wrap experience and build each other up in the process.

So if your day has lost its charm, peacefulness, or sense of optimism, grab a wrap and find a selfie moment. Or reach out and connect with other wrappers, they might just have what it takes to turn your day around.

Red

Blogger

Red is a mother, a teacher, and an artist. Living in London, she’s writing for The Wrap Show about her explorations in woven wraps.

]]>TWS Around the World – Travel Packages to The Wrap Show 2019http://thewrapshow.co.uk/2018/11/29/travel/
Thu, 29 Nov 2018 14:57:38 +0000http://thewrapshow.co.uk/?p=2177

Are you dreaming of flying overseas to The Wrap Show in 2019? Baby carriers get you places but here is your chance to live the dream – come to London to meet your favourite brands, connect with your baby carrier friends, and explore the world’s most global city.

But even with our best carrier in hand, travelling overseas with kids can be daunting; we totally get that. That’s why The Wrap Show has partnered with Michelle Goulding at Travel Counsellors to take away the stress so you can get to London knowing there will be car seats in the car that picks you up!

Below Michelle has planned a sample itinerary coming from New York, Los Angeles, and Houston.

The PDF itineraries below will show you some of the best that the UK has to offer, including a stay on the Thames River, a trip to Oxford and the Cotswolds, and a fun day out at Lego Land!

Are you flying from a 4th city, in Asia or Latin America? Would you like to stay 7 days instead of 10? Maybe you just want to hang out in London for the week and not drive to the countryside. We’ve got you covered. These itineraries are as flexible as a woven wrap and are just an opening conversation to what’s possible on your wrap holiday!

Please note that these prices are based on the availability of the airfare. We recommend booking early to guarantee the best rates! That said, please feel free to reach out to Michelle at any time to see what your options are.

But what about your ticket to the show? Well if you book your trip through Michelle, you’ll get the opportunity to get an early bird ticket exclusively first. You’re coming from far away, this way you know you’ll also be able to be first into the show. This opportunity is for the first 25 people who book their trip.

Not sure that you’ve heard this yet, but at The Wrap Show, we’re passionate about wraps. One of the best things about these wonderful pieces of cloths is they’re just that – cloth! And while we use them to carry our children close for the precious early years, they can then be turned into any number of beautiful things when those carrier days are done!

So that’s why we’re excited to announce The Wrap Srap Contest at The Wrap Show (TGWS^2 anyone?!). For the first time, we’re inviting makers from around the world to make something unique out of a piece of fabric from our Showcase Sponsor Woven Wings.

All makers will get the same, secret piece of 100% cotton in early 2019. Then you’ll have until 15 May to return your finished product to The Wrap Show headquarters. It will be displayed at the event on 1 June.

We are recruiting makers to make something in the following categories:

Bags

Accessories

Clothing

Keepsakes and Home Decor

Conversions

To enter, sign up on our form here. The deadline to enter is: 15 October. You can enter into more than one category but only one submission per category per maker. You can also request different lengths of fabric in 1/2 metre increments at approximately 60 cm wide. The entry fee is £20 per half metre – a very special contest rate from Woven Wings! At The Wrap Show, your make will be exhibited in a prominent location at the exhibition along with all other entries. Entries will be judged by Woven Wings and additional judges to be announced! There will be one winner in each category for a cash prize, plus the public will vote on the Best in Show!

New to woven wrap scrap making? Fantastic! We would love to see new makers join our competition to see what the woven wrap scrap market is all about! All companies participating will be listed on our website and you’ll have access to a special discounted rate to advertise in our full colour programme.

Have a new idea? This is the time to try it out! Entries will be judged based on innovation, functionality, and quality of work. Let’s see what you can make from the fine jacquard woven piece of Woven Wings fabric!

Completed projects have the option of being auctioned off at the end of the exhibition to guests at The Wrap Show. Proceeds from the auction will go towards paying for our peer supporter scholarship programme and Dr. Rosie Knowles’ Building Bonds project.

There are rules to entry outlined in our sign up form, including that all relevant testing needs to be done, the fabric shall be used only for the express purpose of a contest submission, and you will do your best to complete the project on time and will update The Wrap Show of any changes in eligiblity.

We are just so excited to see all these wrap scrap ideas come to life! Please do be in touch if you have any questions.

6:15 am. I’m walking my once restless, now resting baby along the river. Cosily cradled in a double hammock, my meditative stride has soothed him back to sleep and my mind turns to other things. The tide is low, the water still, the morning light resting gently on its surface. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Thames so inviting.

‘Aaah!’ My musings are interrupted by a voice from behind. ‘That’s what we want to do!’ He slows his jogger’s pace to walking and takes a closer look at us. ‘My girlfriend’s about your size’.

Disclosure: what my astute riverside companion was referring to was the fact that I’m noticeably petite. And when I carry my baby, who is noticeably long, the contrast is – clearly – remarkable. The comment came as no surprise to me. My comrade, on the other hand, was having an epiphany; his latent longing to carry his child was no longer an idealistic fantasy. In seeing it happen in reality, visible and tangible before him, it was becoming attainable. Even his petite girlfriend could do it.

I started wrapping for a number of reasons, but only now, a year into my journey, am I coming to recognise one of the greatest joys and benefits: the wrap experience is unavoidably bespoke. I live in a custom built world that’s a size too big, where one size fits everyone else. I play a game on a daily basis where I try to trick everyone into believing one size fits me too. Those cropped capris make perfect floor length trousers… in my world. That t-shirt was evidently destined for life as a mini dress… in my world.

But in the world of wrap, that 4 metre length fabric really does fit me and my child. Perfectly. When I pick up my wrap, I have everything I need to make the ideal carrier. Through a sequence of carefully choreographed moves – around, over, under, cross and tie – I turn my fabric into a sling that hugs and cradles both mother and child in just the right way, regardless of size, shape, or proportion. Our comfort is entirely in my hands as I fan out the creases, spread out the pressure points, my final tugs and tweaks enabling a comfortable distribution of weight.

When I pick up my wrap, I pick up a fabric I’ve chosen for the quality of its fibres, the weight, and the design. But as for the carrier, that’s completely up to me. A front carry for a frantic city crossing; a back carry for a sleepy summer’s ramble; or how about a hip carry for social gatherings? And so it was that summer morning, abruptly awakened by teething grizzles, the cosy embrace of a double hammock back carry provided us both with the comfort and security we needed to reset the compass and ease into the day.

Red

Blogger

Red is a mother, a teacher, and an artist. Living in London, she’s writing for The Wrap Show about her explorations in woven wraps.

I tend not to think of myself as having been a babywearer for that long. But, as the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun (or is it when you’re perpetually sleep deprived?), and I’ve been wrapping for a little over 4.5 years now. In that time I’ve tried a lot of wraps and have even been lucky enough to attend a few babywearing conferences and events.

So, as someone who’s been around the metaphorical babywearing block a few times, what was Magic Summer like?

The Geekery

Capturing the essence of a wrap online is difficult and elusive, even if you just focus on the aesthetic of a wrap. Accurately conveying how it feels when handled, and what its wrapping qualities are, is even more of a challenge. Magic Summer (with tables and tables of wraps!) was a frankly blissful experience for my inner wrap geek.

Magic Summer was absolutely brilliant and I really hope it happens again. It was relaxed, and fun, and different in the best of ways. A babywearing party/festival in the city? I don’t know why no-one thought of it before…

Emma

I was in my element as I explored the different brands and the carriers they had brought. I was (wonderously!) child free, but there was no shortage of demo dolls, so I could still try as many wraps as I wanted. And I wanted to try a lot! There were so many different wraps, including some truly unusual ones. There were wraps which didn’t feel at all how I expected when I touched them, wraps whose WQs were a total surprise, wraps which looked so different in person to the photos I’d seen online. Thick wraps, thin wraps, cosy wraps, luxurious wraps, handwoven wraps, colourful wraps, elegant wraps. Wraps I now own, and wraps I would love to own, and wraps I’ll never own but am pleased to have tried.

In short: a lot of wraps. If you like wraps even a little, it would have been hard not to enjoy it.

Often at a babywearing show there’s a lot of emphasis on the sales side of things. Even if you go in with a relaxed attitude, it can be hard not to get caught up in the busy browsing and shopping. And whilst this has its own delights, I loved how there was no selling from the stalls at Magic Summer (all selling was done in advance via preorders). This made the event very relaxed, with a real focus on slowing down to explore and appreciate the wraps on show. I felt there was so much more opportunity to indulge in the kind of fun wrap geekery I truly love.

The Socialising

If you’re like me, that subtitle could be immediately off-putting. Socialising? With strangers? I mean, thanks for the offer, but nooooo, that’s not my thing…

I’ll confess that I was a little anxious about the social aspect of Magic Summer. As it turns out, I needn’t have worried. The socialising was all on my own terms. I could (and did) have as many quiet moments by myself as I needed to balance out all the talking. No-one stared, or minded, or – frankly – even noticed. The laid-back atmosphere meant there was a natural ebb and flow to the interactions and conversations, making it easy to engage as much or as little as I wanted. I met some old friends, some people I’d only chatted with online, and (shocker) some entirely new people.

Best of all, I loved meeting the brand owners and representatives. This was next-level wrap geekery chat: I loved hearing more about how the wraps were designed, what motivated fibre or weave choices, and a myriad other tiny but fascinating details. Everyone I talked to was friendly and enthusiastic and entirely accommodating of my sometimes odd questions!

The Peripherals

Whilst the wraps and the people were the main elements of Magic Summer for me, of course there were other elements of the experience.

First up: the venue. A little tucked away, this was straightforward enough to find for an easily-confused traveller like me, thanks to the detailed instructions on the Magic Summer website. It was hot, as was just about everywhere in London that day, but it had shady spots and plenty of free water! The feel of the venue was laid back and relaxed, not at all intimidating. I liked that there was plenty of seating, and enjoyed the layout – it felt like there were lots of different sections to discover, even though it wasn’t a big place. Then there was the food. I got a ticket on entry which I could then exchange at two different food stalls for my lunch. I chose a burger and fries – and seriously, it was a great burger. The venue’s bar was also available and I got to enjoy a rare treat of a cocktail! There was also plenty of free water available – something much appreciated on a hot day.

There were a number of games and competitions running (with fun prizes!) which I enjoyed. These were not only fun, but also helpful for breaking the ice, so to speak – they gave me direction and something to do when I was feeling shy and awkward. Although I was unusually child free, it was great to see what a friendly place Magic Summer was for kids. Everyone was happy and accommodating of the tiny humans’ needs, and there was some awesome-looking entertainment provided for them. Ah yes, and there was face-painting. Which was totally only for the children. I definitely did not get my face painted.

Emma

Owner of Adventure Woven In

Emma lives in England as a proud Welsh Mam. She is a mother of 2, babywearing for 4.5 years. She writes a blog full of reviews and photos at Adventure Woven In.

Hi, I’m Red and I’m a newbie wrapper with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of questions. I debuted as a wrapper last July when I brought my newborn, tenderly cradled in a stretchy wrap, to a gathering of mums and babies. My first solo outing with my baby and my wrap, I arrived at the door, sighed with relief, and within seconds spotted a seasoned wrapper unfurling her toddler from a back carry. It was the most exquisite move, a gesture of graceful synchronicity with a flourished finale as the child twisted down her mother’s side and, on reaching the floor, peeped through the heap of woven fabric now gathered at her feet. The mother that I observed has since become my wrap sling guru, fount of knowledge, and fellow fanatic. Through conversations with her I learnt of a keen community of wrappers, geographically dispersed but intimately connected through their love of wraps and carrying. A community that connects virtually to chat about their wrap experiences, that invents and shares new techniques, that even swaps wraps for the thrill of a new experience or the convenience of a holiday climate. I am still on the periphery, tentatively hovering at the entrance, but the passion that emanates from these wrappers has piqued my curiosity.

Last month‘s Magic Summer event was my first attempt at finding out more. I have to confess, I didn’t even know wrap conventions existed before then. I had no idea what to expect and, to be honest, I didn’t really understand what the event was all about. A load of wrap companies and wrap users gathering in a trendy location with sunshine, food and music. It had its appeal, but what exactly were they gathering for? I arrived feeling out of my depth, nervous of exposing my amateur skills and cautious of the keen beans whose entire style and identity appeared to be rooted in their wraps. Would I be classified an illegitimate wrapper if my hair didn’t match my wrap, or my outfit didn’t chime with my carrier? And – my greatest fear of all – would I be exposed as a country bumpkin posh tot wannabe wrapper?

Just as there is no set type of person who wraps, there is also no fixed way of wrapping, and no prescribed reason to wrap

As the event got under way I found a quiet corner and watched – people chatting with excitement, different brands sharing recent news, digital pen pals meeting in person, kindred spirits discovering each other amongst tables of assorted fabrics… and my fears dissipated. Fears founded on assumptions gradually vanished, and in their place grew a sense of admiration and appreciation. I realised that the community I had heard of, and was now meeting, was more diverse than I had anticipated – even I could fit in. I saw that, just as there is no set type of person who wraps, there is also no fixed way of wrapping, and no prescribed reason to wrap. There are those who like to plug into a community, and those who like to go solo; those for whom wraps are a collector’s item, proud owners of abundant libraries, and those whose love is exclusive, devoted to their one and only. I saw that the abundance of choice that had initially sent me into a dizzying frenzy – style, colour, fabric, length, brand… they all had their place, and with good reason. There are so many choices, none of them universally perfect and yet all of them valid, because ultimately the wrap experience is deeply personal, carefully balancing the needs and preferences of both mother and child, holding them tenderly, comfortably, and joyfully. And so I came to understand the intrigue of wrap conventions, and the particular beauty of Magic Summer as a space to talk and taste, in person, what today’s wrap world has to offer.

Red

Blogger

Red is a mother, a teacher, and an artist. Living in London, she’s writing for The Wrap Show about her explorations in woven wraps.